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Southampton nurse named among most inspirational female leaders

A Southampton nurse has been named one of the most inspirational female leaders in healthcare.

Amanda Barnes, divisional head of nursing and professions at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, was among 50 women named in the Health Service Journal’s list at an event in London on Tuesday.

In her role, she oversees nursing practice in cancer care, surgery and critical care at Southampton General and the Princess Anne hospitals, as well as hospice Countess Mountbatten House.

Among the achievements in her area, Ms Barnes has created closer ties between the specialties she works with, introducing weekly matrons’ meetings to showcase and share excellence in nursing care and create better communication between teams.

Alison Keen, head of cancer nursing at UHS, said: “Amanda is the ultimate nurse leader. Her commitment to patient care and experience is her main focus and her vision for the future of nursing is very clear.

“She is inspirational as a leader, a nurse and as a person. That is the real privilege of working with Amanda; people who see her not only get to see the wonderful nurse that she is, but can also see the person.”

Ms Barnes was also named the most inspirational member of staff by colleagues at UHS in a recent poll conducted as part of the national Friends and Family Test for staff, where she received more than twice the amount of votes of any other individual.

She said: “I am amazed and thrilled, but it’s all about the team for me.

“I hope this recognition further inspires staff to believe in themselves, to aspire to excellence in all that they do and to walk in the shoes of their patients and their families – and to remember that every minute of every day.”

The HSJ’s most inspirational women in healthcare list is now in its second year and Ms Barnes is the second member of UHS staff to be named following consultant midwife Suzanne Cunningham’s inclusion in 2013.

“Last year was the start of an important discussion. This year we continue it in the hope that it again takes us one step closer to an NHS whose leadership truly represents its workforce and the communities it serves,” said editor Alastair McLellan.

“Our hope is that, once again, HSJ’s identification of the most inspiring women serves as celebration and much needed recognition for those who are making a difference in healthcare.”